What kind of payment method involves the physical transfer of cash?

A cash payment is the method that involves the physical transfer of cash. When a payment is made in cash, it entails handing over physical currency, whether in coins or notes, to settle a transaction. This form of payment is immediate, as it does not require any processing time associated with checks or electronic methods. In contrast, check payments involve transferring funds via a written instrument rather than cash, while credit transfers and electronic payments utilize banking networks or digital transactions, neither of which require the physical exchange of currency. This clarity around cash payments helps differentiate it from other types of payment methods that rely on non-physical forms of currency transfer.